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Beneath Caleb’s skin, tension gathered like a fuse burning short.
He’d seen that look before. Knew exactly what it meant. And every instinct demanded he knock it off Zach’s face.
His fingers curled into his palms.
Awareness sparked in his cousin’s eyes. Zach’s gaze dropped to Caleb’s hands and rose again, mouth twitching with a smug little smirk.
Asshole.
Behind Caleb, Gia moved. “Why don’t I find a place for these?” she said, reaching for his duffel and garment bag.
A tightness pulled at her mouth. “I’m sure you two have some things to discuss.”
As she retreated down the hallway, the sway of her hips snagged his attention—and held it. That bedroom had become her refuge since they arrived.
“You’ve got it bad, cousin.”
His head jerked around to find Zach’s smirk now a full-on taunting grin.
He opened his mouth to tell his cousin to fuck-off. Only…
The bastard was right. He did have it bad, and it seemed wrong to deny it.
“Any news?” he asked instead.
Zach’s expression turned grim. “The guys who came after you managed to slip back under whatever rock they came out from.”
“Ortega is getting help from the Aztec Kings.”
“Probably. He has history with them.” Zach’s hat beat a rhythmicthwapagainst his thigh. “Not gonna lie, Cousin. Taking on a drug cartel and an outlaw biker gang at the same time may be biting off a bit more than we can chew.”
Caleb peered at the closed bedroom door and kept his voice low. “It’s the only way to keep Gia safe. I don’t think this bastard has any intention of letting her go.”
Men like Lopez didn’t let people walk out of their lives. Carried out in body bags, yes. Leave unscathed?
He had a bad feeling Gia wouldn’t be so lucky.
“So, it’s about Gia now, not getting revenge for what happened to youramá?”
His head whipped around to glare at his cousin. “Can’t it be both?”
Even as he said it, he knew the truth. If he thought there was a better way to keep Gia safe, he’d take it.
Abandon his plan. Let someone else take on Espina Negra.
For her.
A sharp twinge jolted his heart, sending his hand flying to his chest.
“You look like you just ran into an electrified cattle fence.” Zach positioned his cap on his head. “Maybe you won’t be putting us and the rez in your rearview so fast, huh?”
Hell. “My life isn’t here.” The words felt hollow. Performative.
A few days ago, he’d meant them with his whole chest.
Zach’s grin faded. “Grandfather wants to hear from you. These guys came onto Navajo Nation land to try and take you out. You’re our problem now.”
As the front door shut behind his departing cousin, the bedroom door opened.